Donovan Ricketts will not be on trial when he finally starts his first game for City on Saturday.

The Jamaican keeper makes his long-awaited debut against Brentford - nine months after arriving at Valley Parade.

With Paul Henderson unlikely to play again for the club after rejecting a new contract, Ricketts will have a four-game run to press his own claims.

But Colin Todd insisted the international will be under no added pressure.

"Donovan doesn't have to prove anything at all," he said. "We know he is capable of doing the job even though he hasn't been playing.

"This is a chance for him to go out there and enjoy playing football. He is desperate for a game and it will be good for him to show people what we already know.

"Even if Paul had signed, it was still in my mind to play Donovan this weekend anyway. It's not because of the situation that I have decided to make the change."

Ricketts has been capped over 70 times by his country and featured in their World Cup campaign. But his experience with City has been limited to playing six times for the reserves.

His only appearance in the senior side came in pre-season in a friendly behind closed doors at Middlesbrough.

Todd said: "He came to this football club initially as the number one keeper but obviously under the circumstances he has not found himself in the team.

"But he has been with the squad all the time and has watched and picked up things.

"I have no qualms about bringing him in. Obviously the defence have got used to playing with the same goalkeeper behind them but they have also worked with Donovan in training and they will soon pick up things like his starting positions and the way he talks to the back four.

"There have been times when I have contemplated playing him before when Henderson had little blips. But Donovan has understood the situation.

"His character has been unbelievable and his enthusiasm has never waivered.

"It must have been difficult for him at times and he may have been disappointed underneath but never showed it."

l The Supporters' Trust are tonight holding their AGM at the Dubrovnik Hotel, Oak Lane, Manningham at 7.30pm. There will be a question and answer session afterwards with David Wetherall, Ben Muirhead and director Steve Longbottom.